Teen Mothers

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Serving Children, Families, and Communities

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Teen Mothers

Q:	How do States vary in their birth rates for mothers ages 15-17?
A:	In 2005, the birth rate for mothers ages 15–17 was nearly six times greater in the District of Columbia than in New Hampshire.

2005 teenage births per 1,000 females ages 15-17

Decline in birth rates for teens ages 15-17, 1991-2005

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The U.S. birth rate for mothers ages 15–17 fell 45% between 1991 and 2005.
During this period, the birth rate for mothers ages 15–17 declined in every state. The states with the largest relative decline include Vermont (down 63%), New Hampshire (59%), Maine (55%), Massachusetts (55%), and California (55%). In the District of Columbia, the birth rate for mothers ages 15–17 fell 61%.

Internet citation: OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book. Online. Available: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/ojstatbb/population/qa01304.asp?qaDate=2005. Released on December 13, 2007.

Data Source: Martin, J.A., Hamilton, B.E., Sutton, PD, et al. Births: Final Data for 2005. National Vital Statistics Report, Vol. 56, No. 06. [PDF]. Hyattsville, Maryland: National Center for Health Statistics, 2007.